The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: 5 Gems of Northern Europe
By Tully Luxury Travel | 06-27-2024 |
Purpose-built and designed, the fleet of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has been making waves since it first set sail in 2022. Now with the introduction of the new 448-passenger Ilma, they are about to widen its scope, further stirring passions and curiosities that inspire deeper connections with the world.
Nowhere is this more evident than with the line’s itineraries in Northern Europe. On her first season there, Ilma will sail for ports in northern France, the British Isles, the Baltic Sea shores and the North Atlantic, stopping along the way for intimate exploration of the iconic cities, fairytale castles, historic cathedrals and vibrant villages of Northern Europe.
Ilma is a dream in every sense, an intimate experience of casual elegance, lavishly appointed to suit the most discerning of guests. Expect light-filled suites with spacious terraces, world-class specialty restaurants, elevated amenities and anticipatory personal service. And she is ready to set sail for an array of remarkable journeys to Northern Europe in 2025, with local guides bringing each destination’s unique culture and history to life – fjords, fortresses and all. Here are a few highlights:
Saint-Malo, France
On Ilma’s Lisbon to Portsmouth voyage, this particular stop in France is far more than just a busy French port. The walled city of Saint-Malo has a fascinating history as a coastal fortress, its ramparts ready for your footsteps. Behind the 12th-century stone walls, you’ll find narrow streets filled with charm. But an excursion to the famous Mont Saint-Michel is a breathtaking sojourn. People have been making a pilgrimage to this tidal island near Normandy for centuries, to marvel at the architectural feat of the 11th-century Roman abbey high on the mountaintop.
Geiranger, Norway
The 10-night Oslo to Reykjavik sailing includes the tiny village of Geiranger, which opens the route to the narrow Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lined with steep cliffs featuring plunging waterfalls, the fjord is the perfect example of Norway's natural beauty, a rugged and dramatic landscape. The Geiranger Skywalk lends incredible views from Dalsnibba Mountain, while the vistas from the winding Eagle Road offer even more astonishing scenery.
Grundarfjordur, Iceland
On a roundtrip voyage from Reykjavik, the peaceful fishing village of Grundarfjörður on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in western Iceland is ringed by snow-peaked mountains. In particular, Mount Kirkjufell rises majestically from the inlet, its waterfalls spectacular cascades of misty magic. The town is a short drive from Snæfellsjökull National Park, named for the glacier-crowned stratovolcano at its center. Visitors hike along the moss-covered lava fields and pebble beaches enjoying the abundant bird life – including the cute puffins!
Siglufjordur, Iceland
Also on the Reykjavik roundtrip itinerary, the colorful town of Siglufjörður is not even 25 miles from the Arctic Circle, embraced by towering glaciated mountain peaks and black-sand shores. The region offers incredibly scenic hiking, but even a stroll through town imparts the peaceful pace of Icelandic country life. Visitors tour the brightly painted historic buildings, engage with the area’s marine heritage and feast on the freshest seafood.
Riga, Latvia
Ilma's Stockholm to Oslo voyage brings Riga Old Town. The Latvian capital reveals a surprising melting pot of different cultures, along with UNESCO-listed buildings and some of the most famous Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. The grand cathedral anchors the cityscape here, while the indoor Central Market is one of the largest in Europe. Outside of town, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum presents exhibitions of traditional handicrafts – woodworking and weaving – along with tasty traditional foods.
In all, these Northern Europe gems are true sights to behold – and to remember for years to come. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection all-inclusive bespoke voyages give you the freedom to explore them in style, with the relaxed pace of the itineraries allowing plenty of time for engaging excursions.
Get in touch with the Tully Luxury Travel Designers to book your Northern Europe sailing with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection today!